New Chin - Came home to an unexpected kit

[JackiG]

We have only had our Chinchilla for a month and did not expect a baby. Mom and baby appear fine, but we have no clue what we should do. She has a standard size cage, but the wires are too far apart for the kit. We have temporarily put a paper border around the cage until we figure out what we are supposed to do. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciate.

 

[tunes]

I would replace that paper ASAP. Get some hardware cloth from a DIY or something like that and wrap the cage. Anything larger than a 1/2 x 1" opening and the kit could escape.

Other than that, most people who have kits find it comforting to have a gram scale to monitor the little one's progress for the first few weeks or months. I would also be sure to discover the sex of the little one so you can make plans for the future. With any luck, it will be a little girl and she can just stay with mom.

 

[JackiG]

Thank you. Probably heading to Ace Hardward now.

 

[AZChins]

I could see if I have a cage that would work for a nursing mom and kit. I'm close to Tucson if you need help. I will be up in Tucson on Monday.

You definitely need to keep the kit from escaping.

 

[JackiG]

That would be amazing! Kids are at Lowes grabbing hardware cloth for now.

 

[Brittany]

Here is a thread on sexing your baby chin. If you're still not sure post pictures and we can help:

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16956

Here is a section on breeding and baby FAQ's:

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=864

In addition to wrapping the cage in hardware cloth you may need to modify the inside of the cage. If mom has a wheel it needs to come out. Along with any shelves that the baby could fall off of.

 

[JackiG]

Is it normal for them to have one kit? Mama is a mature adult and seems calm and relaxed. We just want to make sure we are missing anything.

 

[tunes]

You can check mom gently to see if you feel anything else in her belly, but yes, it's absolutely normal for some mom's to only have one kit. Each female is different. Some will only every have one, other's may have anywhere up to five kits.

If you want to check her, very gently palpate her tummy and see if you feel any lumps or hard spots. If Susan is going to bring up a cage for you, then she could put your mind at ease and check mom over as well.

 

[JackiG]

Thank you for all the advice. Cage is now secured. We have a baby girl and she weighs 51 grams. Mommy's tummy feels warm with no lumps. Kit is nursing well.

 

[AZChins]

PM me or email me if you need help. My email is [email protected]. I will have to see what I have that would work for mom and babies....but I probably have a cage that would be acceptable.

 

[VolunteerChin22]

Just wanted to add make sure you took out any shelves and covered the ceiling in hardwire cloth also - they can climb and get out if you don't.

 

[JackiG]

Covered the whole cage and no shelves in for the kit to fall off of. We've had many laughs watching the antics of mother and baby. It's amazing how they are born with the instinct to climb and leap about. Thank you to everyone for all the help.

 

[Encantadora]

Let us know if any questions arise. So far sounds like you're on a good path. Some owners change from Timothy to alfalfa hay during this time.

Yay for a girl!

 

[addictedtochins]

We need pictures! How are they doing?

 

[JackiG]

I am attempting to attach her first picture. She was 51 ounces when born on Friday and is 54 ounces as of today. Both seem healthy and happy. Momma is eating and drinking well and seems very happy in her role as mom. Her tummy is warm and firm with no lumps. Consuela (mom) and Nikita (baby girl) chatter quiety to each other off and on, which I assume is normal as neither seems upset. The lady we purchased Consuela from told us she has had babies before, so this isn't her first go around, just ours. Thank you again. This forum has been amazing.

 

[Khammy]

Congratulations! She's adorable!

 

[Shooper]

Oh wow, soooo tiny! Glad that all is well with mom and baby!

 

[JackiG]

Our baby Nikita is officially a week old. She is doing good and has gone from her 51 ounce birth weight to 86 ounces at her weigh in tonight. We have been fortunate and this has been a great experience with no issues. Here is today picture. Thank you again to everyone.